Archive for June, 2010

The trepidation of numerous LGBT groups for federal-court action on same-sex marriage is moot now. Our MA attorney general’s office argued against the DOMA section as hurting legally marriage homosexual couples from here. The big news has been the just wrapped-up California trial charging that the Prop 8 override of SSM there was unconstitutionally discriminatory.

Ryan and Mike kicked aroundÂ the perils and promise of court action and the possibilities of the case.

Lowell’s City Manager Bernard (Bernie) Lynch joined us to lead a discussion of the 40B law and affordable housing. Midway in the show, a 40B advocate joined us. It was a lively session that did not lead to totally solid conclusions.

This issue is almost certain to be on the November ballot and has far-reaching effects. Listen to the show and let us know whether you’d like more on this little covered topic.

Lynch has dealt with 40B requirements that have let developers go ahead with projects, so long as they include certain percentages of affordable units. This has worked differently in different places. Lowell for one has increased its affordable housing stock since the law passed way back in 1969. Many tonier towns have been far less eager for higher density and mixed housing.

Speaking for the Protect Affordable Housing group,Â Francy Ronayne puts out some strong numbers in support of keeping 40B. She and Lynch agreed that this 41 year old law is due for some tweaking, but the ballot question put up by Repeal40B does not offer that option, rather dumping it entirely.

Listen as they and we discuss the underlying issues and problems. Unfortunately, no one seems to have a clear path to more affordable housing in Massachusetts. We pioneered this type of law but now may face the outcome of doing away with it.